Micardis and Depression

Depression has been reported as a very rare potential side effect of Micardis. In clinical trials that studied Micardis and depression, this side effect occurred in less than 1 percent of patients taking the drug. However, since depression is so common in the general population, it is difficult to determine whether Micardis actually causes depression. It is a good idea for patients taking Micardis to be aware of some of the symptoms of depression (such as hopelessness, sadness, and pessimism). If you experience depression while taking this drug, talk to your doctor about whether Micardis makes sense for your particular situation.

 

Is Depression a Micardis Side Effect?

Micardis® (telmisartan) is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure. It is part of a class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers. Like with all medicine, there are several possible side effects that can occur in people taking Micardis. One of these possible side effects is depression.
 
In people taking Micardis, depression is a complaint that is reported rarely (i.e., less than 1 percent of patients). This data comes from clinical trials that studied Micardis extensively in thousands of people and documented its side effects. Given how infrequently depression is reported with Micardis and how common it is within the general population, it is difficult to tell whether the condition is actually caused by Micardis, other factors, or a combination of both.
 

Micardis and Depression: What to Look For

While depression may not be a commonly reported side effect of Micardis, it is extremely common in society today.
 In fact, in any given one-year period, 9.5 percent of the population (about 18.8 million American adults) has depression. Therefore, knowing the symptoms of depression can be helpful.
 
Possible depression symptoms may include:
 
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
  • Decreased energy; fatigue; feeling "slowed down"
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
  • Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
  • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain, that do not respond to treatment.
     
Keep in mind that there are other conditions that can share similar symptoms with depression.
 
(Micardis and Depression Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;